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Kids were 100th birthday party focus

Fourth-graders helped Fort Donelson celebrate centinennal anniversary of the National Park Service

Fort Donelson Park Superintendent Brian McCutchen tells DES fourth-graders that national parks are their's to enjoy and preserve during the next 100 years of the National Park Service,(Photo: Mark Hicks/The Stewart Houston Times)

DOVER, Tenn. — Fourth-graders from Dover Elementary School were the centerpiece of a birthday party to celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service.

The party was hosted by Fort Donelson National Battlefield on Aug. 25 at Stewart County Visitors Center, which is the temporary visitor center for Fort Donelson while its facility is renovated.

While the celebration acknowledged the last 100 years, it also looked to the next 100 years.

After receiving a proclamation from Stewart County Mayor Rick Joiner and letters with well-wishes for Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, as well as U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Fort Donelson Park Superintendent Brian McCutchen reminded the crowd that Dover and Stewart County also have assets like Land Between the Lakes and Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge.

McCutchen then told the students that not only does national parks belong to the American people, they also belong to them.
“You are the future of Fort Donelson and Yellowstone and Land Between the Lakes,” he said. “It’s your park. It’s your resource. And one day you will be the caretakers.”

Doug Richardson, Fort Donelson’s chief heritage and resource education officer, shared a story about always carrying a bullet fragment he found at the park as a reminder of why he is there – to share the stories of soldiers and sailors who fought and died at and around Fort Donelson.

Richardson then administered the Junior Ranger oath to the students, as well as the older folks attending.

The children provided inspiration with the song, “This Land is Your Land,” and they sang “Happy Birthday” to the National Park Service.

Director of Schools Leta Joiner also led them in a happy birthday wish in Spanish.

Additionally, students had gathered items that were placed in a time capsule to be encased in Fort Donelson’s Visitor Center during its renovation.

Mark Hicks can be reached at 931-212-7626 or on Twitter: @markhicksleaf.

Doug Richardson, right, who heads up Fort Donelson's heritage and resource education, shares a story about a bullet fragment he carries as a reminder.(Photo: Mark Hicks/The Stewart Houston Times)

Director of Schools Leta Joiner, far right, led the students in wishing the National Park Service happy birthday in Spanish.(Photo: Mark Hicks/The Stewart Houston TImes)